DOTD encourages motorists to stay off roads due to icy road conditions

Published 01/24 2014 10:50AM

Updated 01/24 2014 10:52AM

BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces that motorists are encouraged to use extra caution when traveling on roadways during hazardous weather conditions and stay off the roads whenever possible, as a result of winter weather and icy road conditions.

DOTD will do everything possible to keep Louisiana’s highways and interstate system open and prioritize the maintenance and opening of routes based on traffic volumes.

During winter weather conditions, motorists should follow these five safety tips:

1. Drive slowly, carefully, and avoid driving while distracted

2. Allow for extra driving time

3. Reduce speeds when visibility is low

4. Make sure there is plenty of room between vehicles

5. Look out for black ice---a thin, transparent layer of ice accumulation that can be visually hard to detect on bridges, overpasses, off-ramps and in shady spots.

As always, DOTD reminds motorists to buckle up and refrain from drinking and driving. In addition, motorists need to be on the look-out for DOTD work vehicles applying de-icing material to area bridges and overpasses.

Citizens can get the latest updates on real-time traffic and road conditions by using the 511 Traveler Information System simply by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region about which they are seeking information. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Travelers can also access this information by visiting the 511 Traveler Information Web site at www.511la.org.

Motorists can also obtain information regarding road closures by contacting DOTD’s Customer Service Center at 1-877-4LA-DOTD (1-877-452-3683). The center is open 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Additionally, motorists can utilize the new "Way to Geaux" application to receive real-time, around the clock travel alerts. The hands-free, eyes-free smartphone application can be downloaded on any iPhone or Android device by visiting either the iTunes App Store, or Google Play.

The following roads have been closed due to impacts from winter weather conditions. Please keep in mind that road closures are subject to change quickly. For the latest updates please visit www.511la.org.

Current road closures due to Winter Weather Event

Allen Parish:

·All bridges in Allen Parish

Acadia Parish:

·The John N. John overpass (US 90) in Crowley

Jefferson Davis Parish:

·All bridges in Jefferson Davis Parish

Beauregard Parish:

·All bridges in Beauregard Parish

Calcasieu Parish:

·I-10 East and West between Mile Marker 25 to Mile Marker 34 with intermediate closures.

·All bridges in Calcasieu Parish

·I-210 East and West between Mile Marker 1 to Mile Marker 4 with intermediate closures

·I-10 East and West from the state line to MP 3 with intermediate closures.

·I-10 East at MP 27 overpass being diverted onto I-210

·Traffic passing in one lane on I-10 West at MP 62 overpass.

East Baton Rouge Parish:

·I-110 North and South closed between I-10/I-110 and US 61 (Scenic Hwy.)

·I-10 West at College Dr.

·I-10 East at College

·I-12 West at O’Neal

·I-12 East at Drusilla

·I-10 East at LA 415

Grant Parish:

·Boyce Bridge (LA 8)

Iberia Parish:

·US 90 overpass over LA 88 near Coteau

Lafayette Parish:

·The Billeaud Overpass in Broussard

·US 90 Westbound at Ambassador Caffery

Pointe Coupee Parish:

·LA 10 from LA 10 Business in Pointe Coupee Parish to US 61 in West Feliciana Parish. This closure includes the John James Audubon Bridge.

Rapides Parish:

·I-49 North and South from Exit 80 to Exit 94

·Jackson St. Bridge (US 165B)

·Richard Thompson LA 8 Boyce Bridge

St. Landry Parish:

·I-49 North and South is closed from US 190 (Mile Marker 20) to LA 29 (Mile Marker 40).St. Martin Parish:

·I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge

West Baton Rouge Parish:

·LA 1 entrance and exit ramps from I-10 East and West

·US 190 West at LA-415 (Lobdell)

West Feliciana Parish:

·LA 10 from US 61 in West Feliciana Parish to LA 10 Business in Pointe Coupee Parish. This closure includes the John James Audubon Bridge.

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